A heatwave isn’t exactly the ideal environment for wearing a full face of makeup.
It’s very likely that you’ll sweat most of it off as you wrestle for a seat on the tube or while you’re sat in the park enjoying a tinny.
You can adapt your skincare and makeup routine, but it is also advisable to skip makeup altogether.
If you do want to use makeup, always start with a clean base.
Sweating causes pores to clog up, which can wreak havoc on sensitive skin.
‘We need to adapt out skincare and makeup during summer to cope with the rising temperatures,’ Dr Ross Perry, medical director of CosmedicsUK, tells Metro.co.uk.
‘I recommend firstly using a gentle cleanser morning and evening.
‘Overnight our skin can sweat which in turn clogs up our pores. If you’re prone to breakouts and acne it’s important to get rid of any excess dirt and sebum (oily secretion).
‘Exfoliate a couple of times a week so skin looks fresh and dewy.’
And before you put any makeup on, don’t forget the all-important SPF.
To avoid a ‘cakey’ feel, opt for a light, spray-able option or alternatively, invest in a face moisturiser that includes sun protection.
Dr Perry said: ‘Moisturiser should be lighter during summer and if you are prone to breakouts then a salicylic acid serum would help.
‘Use an SPF30 year round, not just in the summer months. SPF30 for the face can also double up as a primer under your makeup if you’re pushed for time.’
As for the makeup, only use what you absolutely feel you need.
If you can, avoid foundation and oil-based cosmetics, as well as powder products. Swap these for cream or gel-based options.
In addition to causing breakouts, wearing makeup during hot weather conditions could leave you with an eye infection.
‘People often do not consider the dangers of makeup around the eyes and the risk of obtaining an eye infection can be heightened throughout the summer,’ Esther Davies from PureOptical, tells Metro.co.uk.
‘If you are using an old mascara (one that is over one years old) then bacteria can build up in its container. Throughout a heatwave, you obviously sweat more and therefore mascara can enter the eye[s] and cause them to stream.
‘If you mascara is holding bacteria, then an eye infection is likely to be imminent.’
Esther also cautions people to remember wearing sunscreen on the skin around their eyes.
‘Burnt eye lids are not only incredibly painful, but it is very dangerous,’ said Esther.
‘Many people believe that if they use an SPF foundation on their lid then they are protected, however, I do not really like this theory.
‘A standalone SPF product is best as you are also not wary of how much you put on due to the overall look of a product – like you would be a foundation.’
For many people, not being able to wear makeup – or keep their look in place because it’s melting off in the heat – can affect their self-confidence.
Some may also wish to hide skin problems.
Babs Forman, a makeup artist and skin camouflage specialist, helps people with scars and skin conditions find suitable products.
She shares her top tips on how to use makeup during summer:
- Go easy on the highlighter and products that give you too much ‘glow’, as they will very quickly make you look like you’ve just spent half an hour crammed on the Central line!
- If there is one product to invest in at this point in time, it’s a good setting spray. I would recommend the Urban Decay All Nighter, or for super-strength setting power, choose Dermacolor Fixierspray.
- Powder is also great to have on hand for quick touch-ups if you are starting to look a little shiny anywhere on your face.
- Another great tip is also to apply a very light layer of powder before you start applying your foundation. Always thought to be a big no-no, this can actually really help things stay put. The key is to use only a small amount very evenly all over your face, on top of your moisturiser or primer.
While makeup tips are very useful, there are two important rules that will help your skin more than anything this summer.
Remove your makeup before you go to bed and hydrate.
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